1. ENGAGEMENT
1.1 Quinte Canine agrees to provide training/behaviour modification to the Clients’ dog(s). Services may be private (one-on-one) or group based (approximately 1-8 dogs per group) options. Services can be rendered in the Client’s home, online, in a training hall/location or in a public setting.
1.2 The goal of the training sessions is to teach the Client how to train their dog(s) on their own. All training techniques are based in scientific research and positive techniques, wherever possible.
1.3 Positive punishment-based techniques are forbidden at all times while receiving services from Quinte Canine. It is the goal of Quinte Canine to encourage a strong bond between Clients and their dogs. The use of positive punishment-based tools or techniques including but not limited to: prong collars, choke collars, spray collars or any type of electric (shock or stim) or otherwise noxious (chemical/scent sprays), yelling, physically punishing, scaring (shaker cans) or any other tool or technique designed to change behaviour based on fear or physical pain are strictly forbidden. If at anytime the Client chooses to use the aforementioned tools or techniques with their dog(s) they will be provided educational information from Quinte Canine. Once provided the education information on these tools and techniques, should the client continue the use of these tools/techniques, removal from service without refund may occur.
1.4 Quinte Canine may not be able to give a prognosis but will advise which training will be the most appropriate for the dog (obedience training or behavioural modification). Quinte Canine will do their best to advise the Clients on training techniques and to help the Clients reach their training goals.
1.5 No guarantees are made for the dog’s response to training on the part of Quinte Canine.
2. TERM / TERMINATION PROVISIONS
2.1 The term of this Agreement shall begin on the date that the Client signs this Agreement and payment is received until terminated by Quinte Canine in writing or verbally. This agreement is valid from the date signed and replaces any prior agreement.
2.2 At Quinte Canine’s sole election, training duties shall terminate if:
(a) the trainer judges that the domestic animal is dangerous or vicious to the trainer, other pets or other people to be safely trained.
(b) the Client breaches any term or condition of this Agreement, or (c) the trainer deems that the dog would not benefit from further training with Quinte Canine. Upon termination, Quinte Canines’ duties shall terminate but all other provisions of this agreement shall continue in full force and effect.
2.3 Quinte Canine reserves the right to terminate this contract at any time, if the trainer, in their sole discretion, determines that the Client’s dog poses a danger to the health or safety of itself, other pets, other people, or the trainer themselves. Quinte Canine may communicate the termination of this Agreement via the following written methods: by mail, Facebook message, text message, or by email. Termination by Quinte Canine shall be effective immediately upon being provided. Transmission shall be deemed to have been given at the time of transmission by electronic mail, Facebook message, text message, or email.
3. PAYMENT & REFUND POLICY
3.1 Payment must be made at the time booking the session(s). Payment must be paid in full at the time of booking unless otherwise discussed with Quinte Canine.
3.2 Payment for services may be made by e-transfer, cash, credit card or debit. All fees are subject to HST within the province of Ontario.
3.3 Cancellations and rebooking’s are subject to a minimum fee of $25 at any time after confirmation. Cancellations must be made with at least 48-hours' notice to receive a refund of all but the cancellation fee. Cancellations with 24-48 hours notice are subject to a cancellation fee of half of the invoiced costs. Cancellations of less then 24 hours notice are not subject to a refund.
3.4 Group class rates and workshops/seminars are non-refundable following the start of the classes or within 7 days of the class start. If a client withdraws for any reason, more then 7 days from the date of the class start, a 50% refund is provided.
3.5 Rescheduled appointments are subject to a rescheduling charge of $25.
4. LIABILITY
4.1 Quinte Canine agrees to provide services stated in this Agreement in a caring manner. In consideration of the services, the Client waives all claims against Quinte Canines that exist now or may exist in the future. The Client understands that Quinte Canine’s private or group classes or private consultations are not without risk to the Client, the Clients’ family members, the public, guests who may attend, or my dog, because some of the dogs to which the Client may be exposed to may be difficult to control and may be the cause of injury even when handled with the greatest amount of care or otherwise.
4.2 Quinte Canine is not responsible for any damage or injury caused to the Client or any other third party by a dog in the Client’s care.
4.3 The Client is responsible for any damage done by their dog to another living being (human or animal) or property at all times and the Client is responsible and liable to pay for any damages or injuries caused by their dog both during and after the time of training.
4.4 The Client acknowledges and agrees that they will not pursue indemnity against Quinte Canine, the trainer, Quinte Canines’ employees, agents or contractors from and against should there be any liability, claim, suit, action, loss or damage that may result from this Agreement or any services provided under this Agreement.
4.5 The Client agrees to defend and indemnify Quinte Canines, the trainer, Quinte Canines’ employees, agents or contractors from and against any claims, demands, lawsuits, losses, costs, or expenses arising from the actions of their domestic animal while in the course of training or after the training is completed.
4.6 The Client shall provide prompt written notice to Quinte Canine of any Claim made against them arising from the actions of their dog and shall provide all reasonable cooperation to Quinte Canine and its legal representatives in the investigation and defence of any Claims.
4.7 If the dog is injured in a fight or in any other manner during or after the term of the agreement, the Client assumes the risk and agrees that Quinte Canine should not be held responsible for any resulting injuries, losses, damages, costs or expenses.
5. CONFIDENTIALITY
5.1 Confidentiality of the Client’s information (Name, address, billing information, etc) will be maintained at all times. Exceptions:
(a) If a court order to release this information is served. The Client will be informed if this situation has occurred;
(b) If a Client has left a public review online, the review and their name may be shared on the website and social media sites (no alternations to the post will be made by the trainer). This will only occur if the Client is the first to post such information. Upon posting they are consenting to this information being freely available to the public;
(c) the Client agrees when signing this contract that Quinte Canine may speak to the Client’s normal veterinarian, veterinary behaviourist, health care team, or consult with other trainers so that they may collectively provide services in a way that best suits the client and their dog(s). This may be for history purposes, vaccination confirmation, treatment plan review or other pertinent and directly related reasons
5.2 Confidentiality will be maintained towards the owner/client and the dog’s situation itself with the following exceptions:
(a) The Client has relinquished ownership of the dog and a new client wishes to continue training. Previous history of the animal training will be released to the new owner. The original client's personal information will remain confidential in these circumstances.
(b) The Client has relinquished ownership and a professional organization (animal rescue, veterinary clinic, hospital, emergency services, etc) is looking for specific information regarding the dog due to a safety/attack incident.
(c) The Client has maintained ownership, but the dog has injured (minor or seriously) another person, animal, themselves or done serious property damage and a professional organization is looking for specific information regarding the domestic animal. The Client wishes to relinquish ownership of their dog or has given permission for others to seek information from the trainer.
5.3 The Client consents to Quinte Canine taking pictures or recordings to send to the Client or potentially post on social media via online platforms, like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or its website. Quinte Canines likes to take pictures or videos of dog to showcase their progress online. If you agree to this, photos and videos will not display any other identifying aspects about the dog, such as tags with phone numbers or addresses.
6. ENTIRE AGREEMENT & SIGNATORIES
6.1 This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between Quinte Canine and the Client. This Agreement supersedes all prior oral or written agreements or discussions between Quinte Canine and the Client.
6.2 The Agreement may not be changed unless agreed to in writing by Quinte Canine.
6.3 The Client acknowledges that adequate consideration has been provided to them, and that they agree that the terms and conditions of this Agreement are fair and reasonable.
6.4 If any part of this Agreement is found to be illegal or otherwise unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, that part shall be severed from this Agreement and the rest of the Agreement’s provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
6.5 This Agreement and services rendered under this Agreement shall be deemed to have been entered into and performed in the Province of Ontario, and all questions concerning the validity, interpretation, or performance of any of its terms or provisions, or any rights, or obligations of the parties, shall be governed by and resolved in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario.
6.6 This Agreement inures to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors and assigns.
6.7 This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and when so executed shall constitute one agreement binding both parties. Electronic signatures shall be valid for the purpose of executing this Agreement.
6.8 The Client and Quinte Canine acknowledge that they have had the opportunity to seek independent legal advice before entering into this agreement.
